Thursday, March 30, 2017

Sacred Geometry is a science that explores energy patterns that create and unify all things. On every scale, every natural pattern of growth conforms inevitably to one or more geometric shapes. The ancients believed that the experience of Sacred Geometry was essential to the education of the soul. Let's take a look how to infuse sacred symbols in your home and garden.

Sacred Geometry in Home & Gardens

As you enter the world of Sacred Geometry you begin to see as never before the wonderfully patterned beauty of Creation. The molecules of our DNA, the cornea of our eye, snow flakes, pine cones, flower petals, diamond crystals, the branching of trees, a nautilus shell, the star we spin around, the galaxy we spiral within, the air we breathe, and all life forms as we know them emerge out of timeless geometric codes. Viewing and contemplating these codes offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the Universal Mind and the Universe itself.

Ways to Infuse Sacred Geometry in and Around your Home

When sacred geometry is infused into building designs via proportions in the actual architecture, the building vibrates at frequencies that are aligned with life, thus supporting healing and well-being for residents or visitors. This is actually the best way to design buildings and homes but most architects do not work on that level. This is why Feng Shui works really well with sacred geometry, by incorporating the directions and auspicious colors and elements for each sector. So for example, a yang direction such as the south should have green color hues or fire hues and plenty of wood and fire elements. Plants being the perfect wood element, provide sacred proportion through the fractals found on their leaves.

Adding Flowers, Crystals & Seashells

Fresh cut flowers, especially sunflowers in a vase or seashells in a dish is a simple way to infuse sacred geometry into your living space. The basic geometric spiral form that is found in flowers and seashells is called a toroid. This design carries blueprints or codes of creation forming sacred geometric fields that are very healing.

Crystals are another simply way to elevate the energy in your space.Because of their structure, crystals have the ability to hold a stable vibration. They can create an energetic flow that can best support the occupants of the space, especially if placed in a sacred geometric pattern.

Sacred Gardens

The circle is a sacred symbol as it represents infinity, perfection and the eternal. This is a powerful shape that you can bring into your garden space. Embellish it with the elements of nature incorporating different flowers, rocks, spheres, garden art, a pond or stream.Make sure you add an enclosure so you get the feeling of a sanctuary. This can be done with natural materials to emulate the Garden of Eden.

Think about creating a garden that will attract wildlife as this will bring in the elements of sounds. Birds singing and calling reassures us that everything is well. We are fascinated that they have their own language and that they can communicate with each other.

The concept of Sacred geometry supports life while attracting amazing energy to our spaces. This is very healing and supports supports us in evolving our consciousness and connectedness with all that is around us.

Blessings,

Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi

Throughout each day we make judgments; what to wear, what to eat, with whom we wish to engage with. We make decisions and judgments at our jobs and in every aspect of our personal life. This behavior can sometimes turn into negativity and criticism. While it is healthy and natural to make basic judgments, it is not healthy to create a pattern of critiquing others. We can be selective and say no to others without condemning or labeling. Today, watch for moments when your healthy personal judgments begin to shift into criticism. Simply remind yourself that such critical thoughts can be unnecessary. Choose to shift your attention to what you would like to dwell on rather than what you don't.

The aforementioned is a great intention for your yoga or meditation practice for today!

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Today, wood resides over wood. This is an element that thrives on growth, vitality and potential. The wood rabbit will shy away from authority figures today and choose to ignore mistakes made in order to maintain the status quo. Taking on a larger projects does bode well for this combination. Going slowly and being diplomatic is a sure way to reach success today. Acting promptly is best in situations encountered even though the energy will pull you in the opposite direction.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Everything you do depends on the strength and flexibility of your spine. In order to move through a wide range of motion on a daily basis your spine needs to be strong and flexible. Here are a few yoga poses that will do just that:

Seated Spinal Twists

Windshield Wiper Twists

Plank Pose

Down Dog

High Lunge

Plank Pose with a Twist

Goddess Pose with a Twist

Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend

Pyramid Pose

Twisting Triangle

Happy Baby Pose

Reclining Spinal Twist

Corpse Pose

Practicing anyone of these poses or string them in a sequence and you'll find it to be beneficial. Make sure you breathe deeply while performing each pose especially those that include twisting motion.

Monday, March 20, 2017

The Vernal Equinox: What Are You Awakening in Yourself?

Balance & Potential

March 20th marks the first day of spring, when the day and night are equal in both hemispheres. Nature is stirring, buds are awakening, and seeds are germinating. It is the quintessential signs of rebirth and new beginnings governed by the element of wood. The sun is getting stronger, the days longer and nights shorter. This is an empowering time of year as we begin to reconnect with the earth by spending more time outdoors. We can take advantage of this fertile time of year and the vitality of wood by seeking new opportunities and positive change. It is time to celebrate this emerging energy of the earth as a symbol of new beginnings.

Transformation:

The vernal equinox is a balance between yin and yang, water and fire, the moon and sun and dark and light. The balance between these interdependent polarities catapults change to cultivate and manifest your desires. This is the beginning of a growing period not only in nature but for the human spirit. There is a natural transference of energy inside and out from spirit to matter. What is within is flowing towards manifestation. Just think of the seedlings within the earth flowing to manifest as blooming flowers.

This blending of energy is expansive, upward moving and fueled with vitality. This is why it is so important to focus on what you want to grow in your life. Whatever you bring into your thoughts will grow ten-fold. It is important to move forward with this energy and actualize manifesting energy into physical matter.

Religions & The Vernal Equinox:

Religions from around the world celebrate and observe many seasonal days during March and April. Most are religious holy days, and are linked to the vernal equinox. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin meaning equal night. Christianity and other religions associate the vernal equinox with three themes:

Conception and pregnancy leading to birth 6 months later at the time of the winter solstice. The bible seems to contain internal evidence that Jesus Christ was born in the fall of the year. However, early Christians set his birthday, Christmas, at the approximate time of the winter solstice in order to match existing Pagan celebrations. That would have placed his conception 9 months earlier, near the time of the vernal equinox.

Victory of God and light (or life, rebirth, resurrection) over the powers of darkness (death).

The descent of goddess or god into the underworld for 3 days. This is also referred to as the "Harrowing of Hell".

Overall, most people value the worldwide variety of celebrations in March and April because they demonstrate diversity of religious belief in humanity.

Meditation Questions During the Vernal Equinox:

Christina Garofalo - Hawaii

Whether during yoga practice, relaxation or sitting in meditation, the following are some questions you might consider. Don't force the question but rather hold it lightly and trust the answer will rise to your subconscious.

Who am I becoming?

What do you wish to increase in your life?

What would you like to release?

How can I assist others?

What can I contribute to mankind?

How can I help the earth?

What is awakening within?

Vernal Equinox Yoga Poses:

Spring cleaning isn't limited to your environment. Your body needs some cleansing as well. Here's a nice set of poses that will do just that. Try to hold each pose for 5 - 8 breaths. You can repeat this series two to three times.

Chair Pose - Utkatasana

Revolved Chair - Parvaritta Utkatasana

Upward Salute - Urdhva Hastasana

Supported Standing Backbend

Side-bending Mountain Pose - Parsva Tadasana

Mountain Pose -Tadasana with Prayer hand over heart

Standing Forward Fold - Uttansana

Organizing Your Environment:

The importance of a clean and organized environment can't be stressed enough. Your surroundings reflect YOU. Do you like what you see, hear, smell, touch and what you feel in general? What is your higher self telling you about your surroundings? Are you tuned in enough to notice? These are some simple yet profound questions to contemplate. If you want to move forward with the resurgence of energy from the spring equinox, it is paramount your surroundings can link into this vitality.

Clutter Removal Tips:

There are lots of simple ways to clear your environment but none of them should be implemented until your surroundings are organized and free of clutter. Here are a few tips on how to clear out your stuff.

Determine what items you do not use or love in your environment, then get rid of them.

Note objects that are in disrepair. Either fix them or dispose of them.

Determine the amount of furnishings in your environment. Less is definitely more!

Take action and commit to a timeframe to organize your surroundings.

Develop a system to organize the items in your environment (i.e. color coding bags or boxes).

Once your environment is up to snuff in terms of organization, then it's time to refresh. Using essential oils, incense or sound vibration are powerful ways to transmute the energy in your environment so you can return it to its pristine state. Here are just a few simple ways to refresh the energy.

Choose a pure essential oil that you love and place a few drops in a glass bottle (preferably dark glass), and add pure water to it. Spray generously around your environment and infuse it with intention.

Grab your favorite chime or tincture bells and walk around your environment while ringing them. Sound vibration has a tremendous impact on elevating the energy frequency.

The wood element represents the season of spring, guards the liver and controls the earth. Yang or positive wood represents live branches in nature whereas yin or negative wood represents lumber used to build things. The seeds in nature are considered yin while the actual flower blooms are considered yang.

Personality of Wood:

Wood is confident, ethical with high morals and standards. Expansive by nature, wood people tend to do things on a grand scale. Interest are wide and varied making them perfect to take on large projects and see them to completion. Wood people have the ability to convince others to join forces with them. They can branch out into many different fields and constantly looking to continue their education. It is also easy for a wood person to find finances needed whenever possible. The main shortcoming of wood people is they tend to bite off more than then can chew. This can result in unfinished business or not achieving a satisfactory result.

Since wood is strong during the vernal equinox, you can take advantage of the aforementioned qualities and infuse them into your situation. However, it is best you support your environment in wood appropriate areas to capitalize on this fortuitous element.

Wood Directions & Symbols:

The wood element is strong in the east, southeast and supportive to the south direction. Therefore, it bodes well to add wood qualities to these directional portents in your home or office environment. Here are a few ideas:

Plants

Floral designs

Columnar shapes

Wood furnishings

Herbs

Books

Writing material

Landscape scenes

For more ideas, symbols, life representation, and how to position these items in your environment see my Feng Shui Designs in a Flash CD. Simply scroll down my publications page to purchase this most popular Feng Shui CD!

Trees & What We Can Learn from Them

Trees are considered the strongest element of wood that frame life. They are the largest living piece of creation on the planet with over 100,000 species in the world covering over 9 billion acres. Their spreading roots, sturdy trunk, and flexible branches are essential to our well being in so many ways. They fuel this planet with oxygen, keep soil from eroding, mark the seasons, have healing qualities and provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife. We have so much to learn from our standing brothers and sisters. Here are just a few things:

To be flexible in life

Acceptance

To take a firm stance in what we believe in

To be supportive

To embrace new beginnings

In my third book Mother Nature a Bridge to Conscious Living, I offer meditations with trees while hiking at Olympic National Park. There is plenty of space to journal your thoughts throughout my book. Below is a poem about trees from one of the poets I commissioned for the project.

Tree Time

In the cathedral of the trees

Silence is requested, Please

Whispering Woods, Buzzing Bees

Begging on my knees

Oh God -- Save these.

-Ralph Ruggenbach

Happy Spring!

Mary Jane Kasliner

The wrists have a great deal of moving parts anatomy wise and therefore are subject to injury. How many times have you felt wrist discomfort in down dog or plank pose not to mention arm balances? Here are a few ways to keep those wrist in shape.

Increase core strength. Believe it or not a strong core takes to load off the wrist. Try moving into to forearm plank and holding it for 10 seconds before lowing to the ground. Repeat 2 to 3 times. While in forearm plank engage your gluteus maximus and attempt to drag your forearms towards your feet without actually moving them.

Activate your rotator cuffs by moving into eagle arms. Draw elbows shoulder height and then rotate slowly to the right and hold for 10 seconds. Rotate to the left and hold for another 10 seconds. Come back to center position and hold for 30 seconds and repeat opposite side switching arm position in eagle pose.

Stabilize your wrists in child's pose with palms down in front of you while rolling back your shoulders to draw the blades together behind the heart. Press into the mounds of the bases of your fingers so the wrist gently lift off the earth. Maintain the lift through your exhalation and on your inhalation lower wrist back to the earth. Repeat for several breaths.

Integrate the aforementioned steps in downward facing dog. Starting from child's pose lifting the wrists by pressing the base of the knuckles into the earth. Draw the shoulder blades back and lift your hips. On exhalation, sink your heels towards the floor as you r abdomen engages. Contract the quadriceps to straighten your knees and lift the tops of your feet towards your shins. Draw your body back towards your heels and further stabilize your core.

Mary Jane Kasliner

Thursday, March 16, 2017

In order to relax during meditation it is important to sit comfortably. The traditional position from practicing meditation is the lotus posture ( sitting with both legs crossed, the tops of the feet resting on opposite thighs). Easier versions are half-lotus, (sitting, one foot resting on the opposite thigh) or sitting upright on the floor with legs crossed. If you feel any pain in your knees position a cushion beneath the pelvis.

Try to meditate regularly. Albeit the ideal time is in the morning, you can meditate anywhere and at any time. Think about being inspired by the clouds. A Zen master once said, "The sky does not impede the clouds in their flight." Meditate on this idea. Allow your thoughts, like clouds , to drift across the surface of your mind without trying to push them away or hold on to them.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

March 20th marks the first day of spring, when the day and night are equal in both hemispheres. Nature is stirring, buds are awakening, and seeds are germinating. It is the quintessential signs of rebirth and new beginnings governed by the element of wood. The sun is getting stronger, the days longer and nights shorter. This is an empowering time of year as we begin to reconnect with the earth by spending more time outdoors. We can take advantage of this fertile time of year and the vitality of wood by seeking new opportunities and positive change. It is time to celebrate this emerging energy of the earth as a symbol of new beginnings.

Transformation:

The vernal equinox is a balance between yin and yang, water and fire, the moon and sun and dark and light. The balance between these interdependent polarities catapults change to cultivate and manifest your desires. This is the beginning of a growing period not only in nature but for the human spirit. There is a natural transference of energy inside and out from spirit to matter. What is within is flowing towards manifestation. Just think of the seedlings within the earth flowing to manifest as blooming flowers.

This blending of energy is expansive, upward moving and fueled with vitality. This is why it is so important to focus on what you want to grow in your life. Whatever you bring into your thoughts will grow ten-fold. It is important to move forward with this energy and actualize manifesting energy into physical matter.

Religions & The Vernal Equinox:

Religions from around the world celebrate and observe many seasonal days during March and April. Most are religious holy days, and are linked to the vernal equinox. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin meaning equal night. Christianity and other religions associate the vernal equinox with three themes:

Conception and pregnancy leading to birth 6 months later at the time of the winter solstice. The bible seems to contain internal evidence that Jesus Christ was born in the fall of the year. However, early Christians set his birthday, Christmas, at the approximate time of the winter solstice in order to match existing Pagan celebrations. That would have placed his conception 9 months earlier, near the time of the vernal equinox.

Victory of God and light (or life, rebirth, resurrection) over the powers of darkness (death).

The descent of goddess or god into the underworld for 3 days. This is also referred to as the "Harrowing of Hell".

Overall, most people value the worldwide variety of celebrations in March and April because they demonstrate diversity of religious belief in humanity.

Meditation Questions During the Vernal Equinox:

Christina Garofalo - Hawaii

Whether during yoga practice, relaxation or sitting in meditation, the following are some questions you might consider. Don't force the question but rather hold it lightly and trust the answer will rise to your subconscious.

Who am I becoming?

What do you wish to increase in your life?

What would you like to release?

How can I assist others?

What can I contribute to mankind?

How can I help the earth?

What is awakening within?

Vernal Equinox Yoga Poses:

Spring cleaning isn't limited to your environment. Your body needs some cleansing as well. Here's a nice set of poses that will do just that. Try to hold each pose for 5 - 8 breaths. You can repeat this series two to three times.

Chair Pose - Utkatasana

Revolved Chair - Parvaritta Utkatasana

Upward Salute - Urdhva Hastasana

Supported Standing Backbend

Side-bending Mountain Pose - Parsva Tadasana

Mountain Pose -Tadasana with Prayer hand over heart

Standing Forward Fold - Uttansana

Organizing Your Environment:

The importance of a clean and organized environment can't be stressed enough. Your surroundings reflect YOU. Do you like what you see, hear, smell, touch and what you feel in general? What is your higher self telling you about your surroundings? Are you tuned in enough to notice? These are some simple yet profound questions to contemplate. If you want to move forward with the resurgence of energy from the spring equinox, it is paramount your surroundings can link into this vitality.

Clutter Removal Tips:

There are lots of simple ways to clear your environment but none of them should be implemented until your surroundings are organized and free of clutter. Here are a few tips on how to clear out your stuff.

Determine what items you do not use or love in your environment, then get rid of them.

Note objects that are in disrepair. Either fix them or dispose of them.

Determine the amount of furnishings in your environment. Less is definitely more!

Take action and commit to a timeframe to organize your surroundings.

Develop a system to organize the items in your environment (i.e. color coding bags or boxes).

Once your environment is up to snuff in terms of organization, then it's time to refresh. Using essential oils, incense or sound vibration are powerful ways to transmute the energy in your environment so you can return it to its pristine state. Here are just a few simple ways to refresh the energy.

Choose a pure essential oil that you love and place a few drops in a glass bottle (preferably dark glass), and add pure water to it. Spray generously around your environment and infuse it with intention.

Grab your favorite chime or tincture bells and walk around your environment while ringing them. Sound vibration has a tremendous impact on elevating the energy frequency.

The wood element represents the season of spring, guards the liver and controls the earth. Yang or positive wood represents live branches in nature whereas yin or negative wood represents lumber used to build things. The seeds in nature are considered yin while the actual flower blooms are considered yang.

Personality of Wood:

Wood is confident, ethical with high morals and standards. Expansive by nature, wood people tend to do things on a grand scale. Interest are wide and varied making them perfect to take on large projects and see them to completion. Wood people have the ability to convince others to join forces with them. They can branch out into many different fields and constantly looking to continue their education. It is also easy for a wood person to find finances needed whenever possible. The main shortcoming of wood people is they tend to bite off more than then can chew. This can result in unfinished business or not achieving a satisfactory result.

Since wood is strong during the vernal equinox, you can take advantage of the aforementioned qualities and infuse them into your situation. However, it is best you support your environment in wood appropriate areas to capitalize on this fortuitous element.

Wood Directions & Symbols:

The wood element is strong in the east, southeast and supportive to the south direction. Therefore, it bodes well to add wood qualities to these directional portents in your home or office environment. Here are a few ideas:

Plants

Floral designs

Columnar shapes

Wood furnishings

Herbs

Books

Writing material

Landscape scenes

For more ideas, symbols, life representation, and how to position these items in your environment see my Feng Shui Designs in a Flash CD. Simply scroll down my publications page to purchase this most popular Feng Shui CD!

Trees & What We Can Learn from Them

Trees are considered the strongest element of wood that frame life. They are the largest living piece of creation on the planet with over 100,000 species in the world covering over 9 billion acres. Their spreading roots, sturdy trunk, and flexible branches are essential to our well being in so many ways. They fuel this planet with oxygen, keep soil from eroding, mark the seasons, have healing qualities and provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife. We have so much to learn from our standing brothers and sisters. Here are just a few things:

To be flexible in life

Acceptance

To take a firm stance in what we believe in

To be supportive

To embrace new beginnings

In my third book Mother Nature a Bridge to Conscious Living, I offer meditations with trees while hiking at Olympic National Park. There is plenty of space to journal your thoughts throughout my book. Below is a poem about trees from one of the poets I commissioned for the project.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Today, the yang metal stem combines with the rat water branch. Heavenly metal propelling the wetness of the earth. The metal element guards the lungs. Since the metal stem is building the water branch, it loses some of its energy; therefore, lungs are vulnerable today.

The metal stem is resolute in character today; therefore, once your mind is made up this morning there is nothing that will change your position. The preference is to work alone and to focus on unfinished business.

The afternoon hours take on the energy combination of the metal rat. This is a domineering type of energy that can be rather intense. Avoid competing with others this afternoon and move your focus toward financial matters. Adjusting financial portfolio bodes well today.

At home feng shui training courses!

Monday, March 13, 2017

"Imagine a tree with enormous limbs and branches. Now imagine you could see beneath the ground to the root structure that mirrors the web of branches aboveground. Adho Mukha Vrksasana means upside-down tree pose in Sanskrit, and is more commonly known as handstand pose. When you practice this pose, your hands create your foundation like roots of a tree, supporting your body as it reaches towards the sky. This yoga pose reminds us that we can always find ways in which to root down and balance ourselves no matter how precarious the circumstances." - Yoga 365

Friday, March 10, 2017

After taking this picture I noticed the upward dancing tree qi (energy). The spirit of trees is amazing. The famous poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow writes in his poem A Day of Sunshine, how trees sound like a celestial symphony. There is so much we can learn from trees and by reaffirming our connection to them we can embrace their wisdom. Here are just a few things we can capture from tree energy.

To be flexible in life. A tree's flexible branches allow it to withstand fierce weather. In flexibility there is strength and resilience. If we maintain a flexible position in our attitude and viewpoint, then we will naturally see eye-to-eye with others.

Acceptance. Trees are always changing, shedding leaves, spreading their roots and sprouting new shoots. This is what keeps them alive and filled with vitality. If you accept that change is part of the natural order of all things, then your life will morph into a new vitality and zest for living.

Take a firm stance. The deeper a trees root system the stronger it becomes. Find what you believe in and take a firm stance. By setting your roots deep success is imminent.

Ways to bring Tree Energy into Your Life:

Include landscape artwork in your environment

Incorporate green color hues especially in the East, SE and South areas of your home

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Back pain is one of the most common complaints. Delve into these 4 yoga poses and begin to experience pain relief.

Side Stretch from starting on your back and reaching your arms overhead and behind you. Make sure you flex your ankles while as you grab your left wrist with your right hand and reach both hands to the top of the right of your mat. Repeat opposite side.

Seated Twist: Sit tall with legs extended, feet mat width apart. Ground down through your sitting bones and on the inhale sweep one arm down and back and your other arm forward until your fingertips reach the floor between your legs, twisting to one side. On your next inhale, sweep both arms forward and up and twist to the opposite side. Repeat 3 times per side.

Plank Pose: Place palms directly beneath your shoulders and extend your legs back. Press firmly through the backs of your knuckles and engage your quads. Pull up through the lower belly and extend the energy through the soles of your feet and the crown of your head. Hold for several breaths.

Savasana: Rest on your back for at least 5 minutes, or longer. Completely relax and breath. If you need props such as a bolster or blanket, go for it!

Om!

Mary Jane Kasliner

Monday, March 6, 2017

Good Monday morning! Today, the yang water heavenly stem combines with the earthly dragon branch. These two elements do oppose one another resulting in tension. Metal is the mitigating element to ease this tension. Therefore, it is important to take your time to think things through before acting on them. Organize and strategize your day for the best outcome.

The water dragon does however have an expansive energy for optimum growth. There is an underlying philosophy for the water dragon to be true to thyself. This combination also bodes well when it comes to acting on situations in a way that helps others. It is important however to build a good foundation before acting on opportunities that may arise.

Elite feng shui consultations & education

Friday, March 3, 2017

If you picture a pigeon's full, rounded chest of iridescent feathers gleaming in the sun, you see they hold themselves very proudly. In this pose, be like the pigeon and hold yourself proudly. Let your heart sing and your soul shine.

In Sanskrit, the name Eka Pada Rajakapotasana means one leg or foot, king pigeon. From downward dog pose, slide one knee forward and out to the side, extend your other leg behind you, and lower your pelvis to the ground. Bend your back knee and reach back for your foot with one or both hands. Open your chest toward the sky like a pigeon, then lift your heart fully, expressing pride of who you are.

Mary Jane Kasliner

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Take a Leap Toward your Dream

Olympic National Park - 2012

From the little wisdom book of yoga 365 - Take a Leap Toward your Dream!

What do you dream of doing in your life? What do you really want? Without excessive analyzing or self-doubt, take action on this quest today. Begin by making yourself a list of action items. Ask yourself: What concrete steps can I take today, tomorrow, and the next day to move toward making my dream a reality? Make a phone call, send an email, change a habit. Instead of sitting and pondering the pros and cons of a particular action, simply do it. You action may or may not move you closer to your dream, but if you do nothing, you have no chance of success. Increase your odds of attaining your dream. The time to begin is now.

Mary Jane Kasliner

The Rabbit Month

The month of St. Patrick's Day: Who is St. Patrick?

Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Much of what is known about Saint Patrick comes from the Declaration, which was allegedly written by Patrick himself. It is believed that he was born in Roman Britian in the fourth century, into a wealthy family. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest in the Christian church. According to the Declaration, at the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Gaelic Ireland. It says that he spent six years there working as a shepherd and that during this time he "found God". The Declaration says that God told Patrick to flee to the coast, where a ship would be waiting to take him home. After making his way home, Patrick went on to become a priest.According to tradition, Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. The Declaration says that he spent many years evangelizing in the northern half of Ireland and converted "thousands". Patrick's efforts against the druids were eventually turned into an allegory in which he drove "snakes" out of Ireland (Ireland never had any snakes).Tradition holds that he died on 17 March and was buried at Downpatrick. Over the following centuries, many legends grew up around Patrick and he became Ireland's foremost saint.

Wearing of the green

On St Patrick's Day it is customary to wear shamrocks and/or green clothing or accessories (the "wearing of the green"). St Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. This story first appears in writing in 1726, though it may be older.

During the 1790s, green would become associated with Irish nationalism, due to its use by the United Irishmen. This was a republican organization—led mostly by Protestants but with many Catholic members—who launched a rebellion in 1798 against British rule. The phrase "wearing of the green" comes from a song of the same name, which laments United Irishmen supporters being persecuted for wearing green. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the color green and its association with St Patrick's Day grew.

March 2017 is the month of the Yin Water Rabbit and the trigram 7-Dui Metal. This is energy fuels (metal star to water stem and wood branch), making this a month for growth and potential. ​The Rabbit : The rabbit is the soul of graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty. The rabbit is also soft-spoken and diplomatic. We may notice more of this type of energy from President Trump this month. I believe he demonstrated this temperament last night with his first speech to congress. The rabbit month is a perfect time for POTUS and congress to see eye-to-eye.

The rabbit is lucky in business and all kinds of monetary transactions. This bodes well for any business deals especially since the 8-money star resides in the house of networking and potential income. However, pay close attention, as the rabbit has ways of getting what it wants at the expense of others. In other words, be aware of those who try to meet your every need. This is how the rabbit energy strikes and collects his winnings. If your dealing with a business transaction be especially vigilant with contracts before signing.

Taking things slower this month is the norm when it comes to the energy of the rabbit. Be deliberate, cautious and use your discretion. This is especially so as the rabbit notices every mistake made along with any progress too. The rabbit energy however does offer a sympathetic ear for your woes.Water Stem: The heavenly stem this month is the element of water. This element is associated with the kidneys and bladder so be mindful of these organ systems this month. Hydrate daily and stick with purified water consumption.

The water element bodes well for effective communications and the ability to influence others. With water in its yin polarity, there is a gentle nurturing aspect when it comes to discussions with others. This blends exceptionally well with the rabbit's reserved energy.

The water influence this month makes it easier to notice things that will become important so you can accurately gauge future potentials. Water has an uncanny way for making people desire what they desire, thus achieving goals in a positive manner. Flexibility and yet assertive in nature, the water element this month can assist in turning your plans into reality.

Dui Trigram - 7 Metal:

The 7 - metal star represents several dynamics. First, the element of metal is guided by strong emotions that are rigid and resolute. Metal is about pursuing objectives and goals with intensity and little hesitation. Be prepared to sustain your convictions this month and sticking to the task at hand until you succeed. Methodical and organized approach to matters is the way to go with this element. Be prepared to map your own destiny and with little outside assistance. Albeit metal can be rigid, it can also conduct electricity and power that can be felt by everyone.

The trigram Dui represented by this star is yin in polarity and takes on a creative and playful energy like that of a child. Therefore, try to see things through the eyes of a child. Look at everything as if you have seen it for the very first time. This is the way to creating great joy in your life. Take time to do what you love whether that is playing a round of golf, swinging on a swing, playing your favorite instrument, movie night or game night. Any of the aforementioned will easily awaken the child within and tap successful into this trigram.

Albeit this star has fun aspects to it, in this current cycle of energy it activates a great deal of the negative. This star takes the position of the central palace in the loshu making its' energy known to all occupants in the home. Here are some of the negatives to be aware of this month:

Fighting amongst females

Injury by metal

Online fraud

Violence

Gossip

Layoffs

Since the center is represented by the element of earth, this star is naturally growing in strength. Therefore, place a virtual water cure in the center of the home for the month of March.

The Remaining Stars:

Networking and potential income or job opportunity is strong this month. Placing strong earth or fire in the northwest will help to boost this energy along with moving water. Don't hesitate to invest in real estate options, as the energy bodes well.

Career focus this month should be about new projects and ideas to build and grow. There is a natural fueling of this star here and especially bodes well for males. Watch out however for legal challenges and or extreme windfalls that will need tending to. Add some fire to the north sector to keep this star under control.

Transformation is possible this month but only if you take the time to read influential books that build upon self growth and wisdom. Daily meditation and contemplation is a must for this star to blossom. Adding the element of metal to the northeast is perfect to fuel this auspicious star.

Family can be intense this month causing a break. The feet are very vulnerable along with the liver and gallbladder. This energy is most vulnerable for older males. Legal issues can also arise and overall chaos. It is best to keep the eastern sector quiet this month and ring a bell frequently to break up this negative qi.

Wealth & Windfalls is probable with the auspicious star of leadership, networking and heavenly blessings. This star is notorious for bringing new opportunities and bodes well for both female and male. Adding fire and earth to the southeast bodes exceptionally well.

Goals & Vision is draining for this month. This star can be nagging when it comes to getting your goals in order and following through. Eyes and chest area can be vulnerable too with this star. Unfortunately this negative energy is fueled heavily and therefore is in need of strong metal. Place metal element in the south portent.

Relationships require the influence of theater and good books as a form of entertainment. Writing or reading your favorite poetry together is a winner this month. Add fire to the southwest and fuel relationships with a creative literary flare.

Fun is what you make of it this month. There is plenty of illumination with this star and one should take advantage of it. Be clear as to what you want to engage in for your adventure and then go for it. Add virtual water and wood to the west this month and have a blast!

*Note: The aforementioned recommendations are on a general scale verses a personal one. All cures can be implement the 6th of March and removed by April 4th.

Yoga Practice for March:

This month the energy is yin and fluid. Therefore, it is best to take on a practice that works mainly the sacral chakra or water qi. Go slower but move like water. Be creative in your practice rather than just demonstrating the pose. The following are some poses to incorporate this month.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

As a yoga teacher, I try to offer some bit of advice to open class with. Today, from Yoga 365, the advice is as follows:

Acknowledge your weakness and to embrace your strengths...

By examining our weaknesses as well as our strengths, we are better able to understand ourselves. Today, take the time to know where you need assistance and where you are capable of offering similar assistance to others. Our vulnerabilities and frailties illuminate by contrast our gifts and strengths.

When we recognize our weaknesses, we become aware of when we need to enlist the knowledge and power of others in order to achieve our goals. This self-knowledge enables us to use the strengths we possess to move forward and offer our best selves to the world.

Mary Jane Kasliner

Today, the yin fire stem combines with the pig branch. Fire and water oppose one another requiring the element of wood to ease the pressure. Therefore, it is important to be resilient and strong in your actions today. Think about how you can build upon ideas or projects in motion. Further growth is a perfect wood quality to balance the otherwise tension created between the fire stem and water branch today.

The fire pig is intense when it comes to emotions. There is a tendency for people to be pigheaded in their demeanor today so it is important to trust your skills and be steadfast. Be generous with your time and resources today as it will pay off tenfold.